These proposals represent the biggest change to tax policy since 1972. They are complex and highly technical, and if adopted will have widespread detrimental effects on small business and corporations.

Some proposals would affect existing plans, causing costly reviews and changes. They would also create uncertainty in the business sector, significantly hindering growth and limiting small business investments.

Their letter noted, “Independent business owners, including professionals, are telling us that these changes have the potential to discourage entrepreneurs from going into business and could hurt employment and growth as business owners look for other ways to offset the additional costs to themselves and their business.”

I agree with the coalition’s concerns. When complicated proposals like these are rushed through, other plans are often unintentionally affected.

Why insurance advisors should care

The proposals do not seem to impact corporate-owned life insurance plans or insurance strategies. But that does not mean insurance advisors and their clients are immune.

Over the past two years, life insurance products and life insurance strategies have gone through dramatic changes. However, the positive tax attributes of life insurance, such as tax-efficient cash accumulation and the capital dividend account credit features, have been maintained. These features benefit both individuals and incorporated entrepreneurs.

It’s unlikely the rules governing the exempt test and disposition of insurance proceeds will change. However, if the July proposals go through, they could open the door to changing the tax treatment of insurance proceeds, eliminating integration on a taxable disposition, or constraining post-mortem planning.

That said, it’s dangerous to speculate how these rules could affect the use of life insurance strategies. It is equally dangerous, however, to believe we are immune.

We must not be complacent. I would encourage you to educate yourselves on the proposals and their implication on your clients. If they are so moved, ask them to write to their MPs to voice their concern and displeasure. Tax policy must be initiated with fairness and logic. These proposals have neither.

I agree with above. The proposed legislation says it wants the tax environment to be more fair. Is it fair that business owners take all the risks? Is it fair that during difficult times that business owners take a cut in pay while employees don’t? There are many other unfair differences between employees and business. If these tax changes take place, this will have a serious detrimental effect on the economy.

Wish I were as confident that the July 18, 2017 proposals do not seem to impact corporate-owned life insurance plans or insurance strategies … what about proposed subsection 246.1(1), (2) and (3)? Insurance advisors should definitely care about these proposals.

When I see comments suggesting that these changes will discourage people from going into business I realize it is no longer a reasoned assessment. Yes planning will be needed to help adjust for closing the loopholes, but it does not mean the loopholes are valid. I agree with the Govt on this issue, that creating more fairness between salaried professionals and incorporated professionals is overdue.

I agree that these proposals are ill-conceived and do nothing to further advance small business. On the contrary they are a deterrent to entrepreneurship and will encourage an increase in ‘black market’ activity.